Forrest Gene Sanders

CARBONDALE - Forrest Gene Sanders, 96, of Carbondale, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 14, 2025 at home surrounded by his wife and children. Gene was born July 28, 1928 in Williamson County, IL, the son of William and Clara (Walker) Sanders.

Gene married Freida Joyce (Joy) Stearns on February 4, 1953 at Boskydell Baptist Church. Gene and Joy were blessed with a marriage lasting 72 years.

Gene worked as a park attendant at Touch of Nature for 20 years. He found joy in working outdoors and loved being surrounded by the beauty of Little Grassy Lake.

He retired in 1991 and loved golfing and bowling with his brother Kenny, fishing with his grandkids, and reading all kinds of books. He had a keen memory and could recite passages that he learned even in his childhood.

Gene was a member of Boskydell Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for many years. Gene was also a member of the Oddfellow Lodge.

He was an Army veteran and served in Korea during the Korean War.

Gene is survived by his wife, Joy; children, Forrest Lee (Kitty) Sanders, Darrell Gene (Gerilyn) Sanders, and Clara (Kenny) Ellis; grandchildren, Nicole (Kyle) Gordon, Keriana Sanders, Lauren Sanders, Kristen (Jerod) Bathon, Ryan Sanders, Katie (Kyle) Stearns, and Megan Sanders; great grandchildren, Lyla Gordon, Alex Bathon, Jolie Bathon, Mila Gordon, Hunter Bathon, and Nora Stearns

He is survived by his brother, Thurman (Bonnie) Sanders and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, William and Clara Sanders; brothers, Laverne Sanders, Myron Sanders, Kenneth (Marilyn) Sanders, Bill (Doris) Sanders; sisters, Helen (Ray) McGee, Lillian (Gene) Frick, Marie (Chester) Platt, and June Sanders.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 11:00 am at Boskydell Baptist Church. Memorial services will follow visitation at 12:00 pm, with Dr. Stephen Combs and Pastor Jim Cooper officiating. Interment will be in Boskydell Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Gene’s memory may be directed to Boskydell Baptist Church.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory, visit www.meredithfh.com.